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This Month in Parks - June 2019

Special Events | Kids Sports and Activities | Gardening | Adult Sports | Fun for All Ages | Get Outside | Accessible Rec

Special Events

NOW-Sept. 15: Cooper Membership Promotion
Join or renew a Cooper Tennis membership before Sept. 15, 2019, and receive Springfield Lasers pro tennis grandstand season ticket(s). Individual memberships receive one Lasers grandstand ticket for each home match for the 2020 season (~$70 value). Family memberships receive two Lasers grandstand tickets for each home match for the 2020 season (~$140 value). Offer valid Aug. 29-Sept. 15, 2019. Some restrictions apply. Call Cooper Tennis Complex for details: 417-837-5800.

For all ages

Cooper Tennis Complex hours vary

Price varies

Sept. 1, 22: Doling History Museum events
All events are outdoors in the Doling History Museum courtyard. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Concessions available. Events are weather dependent, rain may cancel. Doling History Museum 417-837-5808

All ages

Sun, Sept. 1 Recreate Labor Day Picnic
Sun., Sept. 22 Jammin’ in the Courtyard featuring Charmin and the Country Four Band

Free admission, donations accepted

Tues., Sept. 3: Dog Swim
The canine aquatics event of the year: Dog Swim at Fassnight Pool! One dog per human, no humans allowed in the pool. All proceeds benefit Cruse Dog Park. Register on-site at the event. Are you a current member of Cruse Dog Park? IF NOT, please include copies of your licensed veterinarian paperwork for Rabies, Parvo, Distemper and Bordetella. Fassnight Pool 864-1049

For dogs 4 months and older, with owner

4-7 p.m. (Check-in begins at 3:30 p.m.)

$8/Dog-human pair
$3/Additional human

Sept. 6-8: 24th Annual Japanese Fall Festival
A three-day celebration of Springfield’s sister city, Isesaki, Japan. Includes visitors from Isesaki and performances by kendama cup-and-ball performers from Tokyo, stories and magic from Ube, live calligraphy from Japan , taiko drumming, Japanese top spinning, dancing, martial arts, kimono dressing, and cosplay. Presented by Springfield Sister Cities Association. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden 891-1515

For all ages

Fri., 5-10 p.m., Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fri. and Sun., $7/Adult, Sat. $10/Adult
All dates, $3/12 yrs. and under
Kids 2 yrs. and under are free

Sept. 14: Brew at the Zoo 2
An after-hours, 21-or-older event benefiting Friends of the Zoo. Your brew ticket includes: zoo admission, souvenir tasting mug with unlimited tastings of 50+ brews*, street tacos, music, animal presentations, and more!

For ages 21+

6-9 p.m.

$10-$45

Sun., Sept. 8: Grandparents’ Day
Free zoo admission for grandparents. Dickerson Park Zoo 833-1570

For all ages

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Free for grandparents, $15/Adults and teens, $10/Children 3-12 yrs., $12/Seniors 60 yrs. and up

Sat., Sept. 21: 17th Annual DogFest
A canine extravaganza! Everyone, including the family dog, is invited for free fun and activities. All proceeds benefit Cruse Dog Park. Chesterfield Park 864-1049

For all ages

10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Free, $1/Bounce house, $10/t-shirt

Sept. 21-22: 28th Annual 1860’s Lifestyle Expo
Rediscover pioneer life at the Gray/Campbell Farmstead. Includes apple-butter making, horseshoes, hearth cooking, fiber arts, crafts, wood carving, seed-spitting contests and more. Gray-Campbell Farmstead 891-1515

For all ages

Sat., 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun., 12-4:30 p.m.

Free

Sept. 28-Oct. 27: Harvest Fest
Five weekends of fall-themed fun at the farm! Meander through the corn maze, take a hayride, pick your own pumpkin from our pumpkin patch, ride the Cow Train or Grain Train, try your luck at carnival games, bounce on inflatables and much more as you enjoy this Midwest fall tradition! Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park 837-5949

For all ages

Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun., Noon-6 p.m.

Free admission, most activities have a small fee

Kids Sports & Activities

Sept. 5-26: Youth and Homeschool HorseSHOE I & II
Sheriff’s Horsemanship Outreach and Education (HorseSHOE) teaches safety around horses and basic grooming, saddling and riding techniques. Horses and helmets provided. Eight students/class. Equestrian Center 833-3291

For ages 7-16 yrs.

Homeschool: Thurs., 10-11 a.m.
Youth: Thurs., 4:30-5:30 p.m.

$60/4 group lessons

Fri., Sept. 6: Dan Kinney Kids’ Night
Let’s go on an adventure to worlds unknown on our search for an awesome time! Join us for Treasure Planet the movie, pizza, crafts, basketball, bouncy castle, games and more.

For ages 5-12 yrs.

5:30-9 p.m.

$7/Member, $10/Non-member

Sept. 7-Oct. 26: Park Board Passers Flag Football
Youth flag football leagues designed for kids to learn and play the game. Includes t-shirt. Killian Softball Complex 837-5817

For ages 5-12 yrs.

Time varies, call for details

$45/Child

Sept. 7-Oct. 26: Tiny Dancers at Doling Family Center
Learn the basic movements of ballet while having a lot of fun.

For ages 3-4 yrs.

Sat., 9-9:45 a.m. (No class Oct. 12)

$30/Member, $40/Non-member

Kids' Beginning Dance
Basic Ballet and Jazz for kids with fewer than two sessions of dance experience.

For ages 5-10 yrs.

Sat., 10-11 a.m. (No class Oct. 12)

$30/Member, $40/Non-member

Sept. 7-Oct. 26: Kids’ Intermediate & Advanced Dance
Builds upon Ballet and Jazz techniques learned in Beginning Dance. At least two sessions previous dance required.

For ages: 5-10 yrs.

Sat., 11 a.m.-Noon (No class Oct. 12)

$30/Member, $40/Non-member

Sun., Sept. 8: Chesterfield Art-C Paint
A step-by-step painting class for all ages and abilities. Price is per canvas, so paint your own, or create a masterpiece together with a loved one. Register by Fri., Sept. 6 at Chesterfield Family Center.

For all ages, 4 year and under must be with an adult

Sun., 2-4 p.m.

$30/Member, $40/Non-member, $25 for additional canvas

Sun., Sept. 8: Registration deadline for SPARC Volleyball
Kids learn basic volleyball skills and positive character traits. Games are played Saturdays at Hickory Hills K-8 School. Practices are scheduled by volunteer coaches on weekday evenings. Season runs Sept. 28-Oct. 26. SPARC 837-5737

For 3rd-8th grade

Practices begin week of Sept. 16
Games Sat., Sept. 28-Oct. 26
Time varies, call for details

$45/Child

Sept. 8-Oct. 3: Swim Team Stingrays
For swimmers ages 6-18 who would like to continue their swim team experience through the school year. A great alternative to the highly competitive aquatics arena. Classes three times a week on Sun., Tues. and Thurs. Chesterfield Family Center 891-1616

For ages 6-18 yrs.

Sun., 2-3 p.m., Tues. and Thurs., 6:30-7:30 p.m.

$35/Members, $45/Non-members

Fri., Sept. 13: Four Stair, Hubba and Rail Contest
Compete in an outdoor contest on our four stair, hubba and rail obstacles. Show off your skills on this fun and technical three-feature section of outdoor course. Skateboards only, limited skateboard rentals available. Springfield Skate Park 868-8758

For years 7 yrs. and up

7:30-10 p.m.

Free with purchase of session

Sept. 18-Dec. 7: Jr. Bears Youth House Hockey League
A 10-week non-checking league designed to develop and improve hockey skills. One session and one game per week. Prerequisite: Learn to Play or another ice hockey development program. USA Hockey membership required. Jordan Valley Ice Park 874-2933

For ages 9-10 yrs. and 11-17 yrs.

9-10 yrs.: Wed., 6-7 p.m. and Sat., 8:30-9:30 a.m.
11-17 yrs.: Wed., 7:15-8:15 p.m. and Sat., 9:45 a.m.-Noon

$110 (full equipment required)

Sept. 21: Valley Water Mill Equestrian Center Show Series: All Breed Show
An introduction to the world of horse show competitions. Open to current equestrian students, who may use VWM-EC horses, or other riders on their own horse. Points accumulate for year-end awards. Registration required. Equestrian Center 833-3291

For ages 5 yrs. and up

Time varies, call for details

$35/Rider

Sept. 23-Nov. 13: Mite Hockey Program
Designed for young kids to enjoy hockey and develop skills through age-specific practices using USA Hockey’s American Development Model. USA Hockey membership required. Staff will assess whether players are ready for this program. Jordan Valley Ice Park 874-2934

For ages 8 yrs. and under

Mon. and Wed., 5:45 p.m.

$80/session

Fri., Sept. 27: Chesterfield Kids’ Night
Parents enjoy a night out while kids have supervised fun with friends, indoor swimming, pizza and a movie.

For ages 5-11 yrs.

6-9:30 p.m.

$10/Member, $15/Non-member

Gardening

Tues., Sept. 3: Junior Master Gardener Nights
Kids get their hands dirty each month with a fun hands-on horticulture activity on the first Tuesday of each month. Botanical Center 891-1515

For ages 8-15 yrs.

5:30 p.m.

$5/class

Wed., Sept. 4: Garden Storytime
Kids and families meet for a nature-themed story and a timely garden activity and craft. First Wednesday of each month. Botanical Center 891-1515

For all ages, designed for pre-schoolers

10 a.m.

Free

Fri., Sept. 6: Star-Gazing with the Springfield Astronomical Society
Join the Springfield Astronomical Society plaza to observe the night sky through telescopes on the Botanical roof plaza. Springfield Botanical Gardens 891-1515

For all ages

8 p.m.

Free

Sept. 6-8: 24th Annual Japanese Fall Festival
A three-day celebration of Springfield’s sister city, Isesaki, Japan. Includes visitors from Isesaki and performances by kendama cup-and-ball performers from Tokyo, stories and magic from Ube, live calligraphy from Fukushima, taiko drumming, Japanese top spinning, dancing, martial arts, kimono dressing, and cosplay. Presented by Springfield Sister Cities Association. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden 891-1515

For all ages

Fri., 5-10 p.m., Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fri. and Sun., $7/Adult, Sat. $10/Adult
All dates, $3/12 yrs. and under
Kids 2 yrs. and under are free

Sept. 12, 26: Home School Horticulture
Home school students study special topics in horticulture. Designed for Missouri Learning standards in Science. Botanical Center 891-1515

Grades K-1 organized by date

Sept. 12 Kindergarten
Sept. 26 1st Grade

$3/class

Fri., Sept. 13: Garden Nights Out: Basic Canning and Salsa Making
Bring a date, bring your friends, or just bring yourself for a night out in the garden. Classes give instruction in practical and creative ways to use garden plants. Snacks provided. Registration required by 5 p.m. Thursday before. Space is limited. Springfield Botanical Gardens 891-1515

For ages 16 and up

7 p.m.

$30

Sat., Sept. 14: Succulent Wreath
Create a multi-dimensional living wreath using small terra cotta pots, wire, moss and succulent plants. The finished product may be can be hung on a wall or used as a centerpiece. Botanical Center 891-1515

For all ages

10 a.m.

$40

Mon., Sept. 16: Learn to Grow in the Gardens: Plant in the Fall, Bloom in the Spring
Learn about special topics from a Master Gardener. Programs may include garden tours and outdoor demonstrations. Botanical Center 891-1515

For all ages

6-7 p.m.

$5, pay at the door

Sept. 21-22: 28th Annual 1860’s Lifestyle Expo
Rediscover pioneer life at the Gray/Campbell Farmstead. Includes apple-butter making, horseshoes, hearth cooking, fiber arts, crafts, wood carving, seed-spitting contests and more.Concessions available. Gray-Campbell Farmstead 891-1515

For all ages

Sat., 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sun., 12-4:30 p.m.

Free

Sat., Sept. 28: Monarch Tagging
Be a part of a national research project that maps the flight of monarch butterflies as they migrate south for winter. Springfield Botanical Gardens 891-1515

For all ages

2-4 p.m.

Free

Adult Sports & Programming

Sept. 4-27: Small Group Training at Dan Kinney Family Center
A four-week course designed to improve mobility, strength, flexibility and overall physical performance through a comprehensive training plan designed by a certified coach. Five people per class. Dan Kinney 891-1500

For ages 18 yrs. and up

Wed., 10 a.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.

$40/Member, $50/Non-member

Sept. 7-Oct. 5: Tai Chi at Dan Kinney Family Center
Relaxation, focus and balance practices for all experience levels.

For ages 16 yrs. and up

Sat., 10 a.m.

$35/Member, $45/Non-Member

Sept. 9-Oct. 7: Ballroom Dance at Chesterfield Family Center
Five-week sessions of a variety of ballroom dance styles.

For ages 12 yrs. and up

Mon., 7 p.m.

$35/Member; $45/Non-member

Sept. 10-Oct. 15: Dog Obedience
Beginning and advanced classes will train your dog how to behave in public, at home, and around other dogs, to become a respected member of the community. Advanced classes require completion of beginning class, and may include Canine Good Citizen, dog tricks or other topics. Proof of vaccination required. Oak Grove Community Center 891-1635

For all ages

Tues., 6-7 p.m. – Beginning Tues., 6-7 p.m. – Advanced

$99/6-week session- Beginning
$115/6-week session- Advanced

Tues., Sept. 3: Registration deadline for Adult Hockey League
Beginner, intermediate and advanced leagues, all non-checking and designed to improve player skills and competition on the ice. USA Hockey membership required. Season runs Sept. 15-Dec. 11. Jordan Valley Ice Park 874-2933

For ages 18 yrs. and up

Time varies, call for details

$210/League, full equipment required

Sept. 17-Oct. 15: Yoga at Chesterfield Family Center
Five-week sessions of yoga, accommodating any level of experience.

For ages 12 yrs. and up

Tues., 7 p.m.

$35/Member; $45/Non-member

Sept. 19-Oct. 17: Yoga at Dan Kinney Family Center
Learn proper breathing techniques and gentle, yet powerful, yoga poses to help reduce stress and increase flexibility.

For ages 16 yrs. and up.

Thurs., 6 p.m.

$35/Member; $45/Non-member

Fun for All Ages

NOW-Oct. 4: Register for Training for the Trot
Be a part of Springfield’s Thanksgiving Day Tradition! Get ready for the 25th Annual Turkey Trot 5K by training with a group at Dan Kinney Park. Designed for individuals who want to run a 5K race for the first time, get back to running or who want to train with a group. Program fee includes registration for Turkey Trot and a Training for the Trot t-shirt.

16 yrs. and up

Tues., 6 p.m., Oct 8-Nov. 26

$45, includes Turkey Trot registration

Sept. 3-26: Tae Kwon Do at Doling Family Center
Build self-confidence, learn self-defense, achieve new skills and make new friends. Beginning and advanced welcome.

For ages 6 yrs. and up

Tues. and Thurs., 6-7 p.m.

$30/Member, $40/Non-member

Sat., Sept. 7: Picnic in the Park
Support our fabZOOlous zookeepers at the annual AAZK (American Association of Zoo Keepers) picnic. Ozarks AAZK is hosting a fun for the whole family, after hours event at Dickerson Park Zoo! Events include keeper chats, special animal interactions, games for the kids, and a silent auction. Food trucks will be open and selling food during the event. The wonderful Bush Country Cafe will also be open. Free popcorn and soda with the purchase of a ticket.

For all ages

5:30-8:30 p.m.

$5 per person (Kids ages 2 and under are free)

Fri., Sept. 13: Four Stair, Hubba and Rail Contest
Compete in an outdoor contest on our four stair, hubba and rail obstacles. Show off your skills on this fun and technical three-feature section of outdoor course. Skateboards only, limited skateboard rentals available. Springfield Skate Park 868-8758

For years 7 yrs. and up

7:30-10 p.m.

Free with purchase of session

Sept. 10-26: Family Learn to Swim at Chesterfield Family Center
Designed to accommodate all ages through Level-2 skills. This program focuses on swimming skills and water safety. Each class takes place twice a week for three weeks.

For all ages

Tues and Thurs., 5:45-6:30 p.m.

$40/Members, $50/Non-members

Sept. 27-Oct. 27: Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Corn has never been so ear-resistible! Get lost in our corn maze (may take an hour), then pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Open during Harvest Fest and Friday and Saturday nights. Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park 837-5949

For all ages

Fri., 6:30-10 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (closed 6-6:30 p.m.), Sun., Noon-6 p.m.

Corn Maze $4/Adult, $3/Kids 5-11 yrs., Free/Kids 4 and under

Sept. 27-Oct. 26: Haunted Trail
Do you dare enter the woods after dark? Walk our one-third mile paved path on the Haunted Trail for a frighteningly awesome experience. Includes hayride and bonfire time. Open Fri. and Sat. nights. Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park 837-5949

For ages 8 yrs.-adult. Kids 8-12 must be with an adult; no kids under 8 admitted.

Fri. and Sat., 6:30-10 p.m.

$7/Person

Sept. 28-Oct. 27: Harvest Fest
Five weekends of fall-themed fun at the farm! Meander through the corn maze, take a hayride, pick your own pumpkin from our pumpkin patch, ride the Cow Train or Grain Train, try your luck at carnival games, bounce on inflatables and much more as you enjoy this Midwest fall tradition! Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park 837-5949

For all ages

Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sun., Noon-6 p.m.

Free admission, most activities have a small fee

Sept. 30-Oct. 16: Family Learn to Swim at Doling Family Center
Designed to accommodate all ages through Level-2 skills. This program focuses on swimming skills and water safety. Each class takes place twice a week for three weeks.

For all ages

Mon. and Wed., 5:45-6:30 p.m.

$40/Members, $50/Non-members

Get Outside

Thur., Sept. 12: Outdoor Adventure Book Club
The Springfield-Greene County Library District is heading into the great outdoors! Join the Library and Outdoor Initiatives for “Missouri Caves in History and Legend” by H. Dwight Weaver, with Giboney Cave Tour at Doling Park in this series of outdoor adventure-themed book discussions paired with a related outdoor activities in parks. Space is limited. Registration required by the day before at 417-883-5341

For ages 18 yrs. and up

5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m.

Free

Sept. 14, 21, 28: Bat Flights
Basic information on Gray Bats, Tri-Colored Bats, and the potential to observe the twilight flight of Endangered Gray Bats from Sequiota Cave. Arrive 30 minutes before darkness. Outdoor Initiatives 833-8647

For all ages

Sat., at sunset

Free

Sat., Sept. 14: Giboney Cave Tours
Explore the myths, facts, and history of Giboney Cave at Doling Park. Shoes will get muddy on Walking Tours. Cavers will get very muddy and wet on the in-depth Tunnel Tours. Bring your own headlamp or flashlight, if you have one. Dates are subject to weather and bat activity. Space is limited. Preregister online or via phone, or register in person at Giboney Cave on tour day. Outdoor Initiatives 833-8647

For ages 5 yrs. and up

1, 2 and 3 p.m.,
Tunnel Tours are only offered at 3 p.m.

Walking Tour: $5/Person, $16/Family of 4
Tunnel Tour: $7/Person, $24/Family of 4

Sat., Sept. 14: Fall Hiking Series
Hit the trail with us this fall, exploring some of the finest scenery in the Ozarks at Sam’s Throne (2 miles). Transportation provided. Bring your own lunch, snacks and water. Register by Fri., Sept. 6. Outdoor Initiatives 833-8647

For ages 15 yrs. and up (15-17 yrs. with an adult)

8 a.m.-7 p.m.

$20/Person

Sept. 21-22: Hike and Paddle Trip
Enjoy the trail and the river on this guided overnight adventure in Shannon County, Mo. Register by Sept. 19. Outdoor Initiatives 833-8647

For ages 15 yrs. and up (15-17 yrs. with an adult)

Sat., 8 a.m.-Sun., 7 p.m.

$65/Person

Accessible Rec

Sept. 9-late Oct.: Miracle League
Spring and fall leagues held at the Betty and Bobby Allison Miracle League Ball Field in Dan Kinney Park. Seven-week leagues for youth and adults with disabilities. Scholarships may be available. Volunteer coaches and buddies are needed, training is provided! Miracle League Ball Field 837-5808

For ages 5 yrs. and up with disabilities

Time varies, call for details

$30/Player

Sept. 9-Dec. 9: Young Adult Bowling Program
Enjoy bowling while you meet new friends at Park Board Bowling. This program consists of two 12-week sessions for bowlers ages 16 years and up with a disability. Open bowling is offered for recreational bowling and league bowling is offered for those wanting a more competitive experience. Accessible Recreation 417-837-5808

For ages 16 yrs. and up with a disability

Mon., 3:30-5:30 p.m.

$6/Week for two games and shoes
$6.50/Week for two games, shoes, and bus transportation

Sept. 10-Oct. 24: Groovin’ Abilities
Come shake a tail feather with Jen Keet and Accessible Rec! Every BODY has their own way to GROOVE, and your way is always the right way! No one cares how you dance, just come stay healthy and active while you move and groove!

For ages 12 yrs. and up with a disability

Tues., 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Thurs., 3:30-4:30 p.m.

$30/Session, add $5 for transportation

Fri., Sept. 27: Dinosaur Canyon Mini Golf
Join us for another trip to Branson, where we will take on the mini golf course at Dinosaur Canyon! Accessible Recreation 417-837-5808

For ages 18 yrs. and up with a disability

8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

$15/Person